Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG3314 Croatian T-55A “Alf” “Muslim-Pocket” Bihac Bosnia-Herzegovina 1992

Authentic Detailing Pre-Painted by professionals Accurate paint colors Markings Tampo (pad) applied Fully Assembled Die-Cast Model True to Scale (1:72) Weathering and insignias Turret turns Metal turret and main gun Realistic tracks

T-55A Specifications Crew 4 Weights Weight: 36.6 tons (33203 kg) Ground pressure: 12.66 lb/in sq. (0.89 kg/cm sq.)

Dimensions Length: 29.5 ft (9.0 m) with gun - 21.1 ft (6.45 m) without gun Width: 11.8 ft (3.60 m) Height: 7.6 ft (2.32 m)

Powerplant Model V-55 diesel, 520 hp (390 kW), 12cylinder, 38.88 liter water cooled Power/weight ratio: 14 hp/tonne Performance Operational range: 248.5/310.7 mi (400/500 km) - with drop tanks 372.8 mi (600 km) Maximum road speed: 31.06 mph (50 km/h) Maximum off-road speed: 21.75 mph (35 km/h) Average cross-country speed: 15.5 mph (25 km/h) Fording depth: Normal - 4.6 ft (1.4 m) With snorkel - 18 ft (5.5 m)

Armament Armour: 6.69/7.99 in (170/203 mm) Gun: 3.94 in (100 mm) rifled gun, D-10T2S Auxiliary armament: .3 in (7.62 mm) (7.62 X 54R) Machine Gun SGM-T/PKT Mounted armament: .5 in (12.7 mm) (12.7 X 108R) AA MG DShKM

As a replacement for the WWII era T-34 the T-55 was produced in the USSR from 1963 - 1981 and under license in Poland from 1964 - 1979 as well as in Czechoslovakia and in China as the Type 59. During the “Cold War” period it was felt that there was a need for a new anti- radiation system for the T-55. A new lining and full chemical filtration system were added to the tanks and these became known as the T-55A. A T-55A is distinguishable because these modifications made it necessary to enlarge the Driver’s hatch and enlarge the combing over the Commander’s and Loader’s hatch. The new improvements brought about the removal of the bow machine gun. The coaxial machine gun was updated and room for 6 more main gun rounds (100mm) was made possible with the removal of the hull machine gun. Starting in 1970 a new turret fitting was adding to the T-55A to accommodate the new 12.7mm anti-aircraft heavy machine gun.

In 1990 with the fall of Communism the Republics within Yugoslavia began to seek national autonomy. Croatia’s move to become a separate country brought to a head the long simmering differences between Serbs and Croats. One thing lead to another until finally war broke out and lasted from 1991 to 1995. During a 1992 truce that made it look like there was hope for peace, the conflict spilled over into neighboring Bosnia with ethnic Serbs, Croats and Muslims fighting each other. This reignited the entire conflict during which many atrocities were committed that have been labeled as ethnic cleansing. During this time the Croatian Army (Hrvatska vojska) had gone from a run down outdated force to a well equipped modern fighting force. After the war Croatia had as many as 140 T-55 tanks in its inventory.